Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 11 SE in 2026.

      Windows 11 SE graduates early - and departs in 2026

      Microsoft has essentially announced that it is discontinuing Windows 11 SE, the variant of its operating system aimed at K–8 classrooms. Support for this education-oriented platform will officially cease by the end of 2026. This shift represents a significant change from just a few years back when Microsoft touted SE as a major competitor to Chromebooks and an essential aspect of its strategy to capture the education market.

      When Windows 11 SE was introduced in 2021, Microsoft promoted it as an ideal “purpose-built” tool for younger learners. By 2022, they described it as the beginning of a new “era of the PC,” promising a straightforward, secure, and budget-friendly option for cash-strapped school districts. It aimed to resolve the limitations of the previous Windows 10 “S Mode” by offering a simplified, “web-first” experience.

      To achieve this, Windows 11 SE was considerably more restrictive than the standard version. It was specifically designed to minimize distractions; students were unable to download any app they wanted. Only IT administrators had the authority to approve and install software, and any random .exe file attempted by a student would simply fail to execute. To kick things off, Microsoft even released the Surface Laptop SE for just $249, along with economical devices from partners like Dell and HP.

      However, Microsoft’s latest support documents indicate that the company’s focus has shifted. Windows 11 SE will no longer receive major feature updates; version 24H2 will be the final release. Complete support—which includes essential security updates and technical assistance—is set to end on October 13, 2026.

      This presents a considerable challenge for schools utilizing these devices. Once the 2026 deadline arrives, security updates for these laptops will halt, creating a significant risk in classroom environments where student data privacy is crucial. Microsoft is already advising schools and IT teams to explore hardware that can accommodate standard versions of Windows 11 instead.

      For administrators, this results in a frustrating budget shortfall. Schools that invested in the SE ecosystem expecting a long-term solution now need to urgently seek funding for upgrades or replacements, or face the prospect of switching to a different platform altogether.

      This news surfaced as individuals began reviewing Microsoft’s 2026 “retirement list,” which also marks the end of Office 2021. While your current SE laptops won’t cease functioning after 2026, Microsoft is clearly signaling that their experiment with a “lite” version of Windows for educational institutions has officially concluded. The future trajectory of Microsoft’s education strategy remains uncertain.

      Moinak Pal has been working in the technology sector, covering both consumer-centric tech and automotive technology for the...

      OpenAI is seeking someone to address unpredictable ChatGPT risks

      The role emphasizes anticipating, testing, and mitigating real-world AI dangers.

      OpenAI is making a significant investment in a position intended to preempt AI-related risks. The organization has listed a new senior position titled Head of Preparedness, focusing on identifying and mitigating the most serious threats that could arise from advanced AI chatbots. This role comes with a notable compensation package of $555,000 plus equity.

      In a public announcement, Sam Altman referred to it as “a critical role at an important time,” highlighting that while AI models now have the capacity for “many great things,” they are also “beginning to present some real challenges.”

      2026 paves the way for faster laptops, but at the expense of memory

      An array of new laptops powered by next-generation chips from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm is anticipated.

      CES (Consumer Electronics Show) has long been a pivotal platform for unveiling new laptops, also serving as an important indicator of broader industry trends and directions for the upcoming months. CES 2026 is expected to uphold this tradition.

      Early indications suggest that next year’s laptops will emphasize performance improvements across various platforms, form factors, and price ranges. The spotlight will be on new mobile CPUs, including Intel’s forthcoming Core Ultra Series 3, codenamed Panther Lake, AMD’s Gorgon Point featuring the new Ryzen AI 400 series, and Qualcomm’s second-generation Snapdragon X2.

      You can now explore the Windows phone OS that Microsoft never launched

      Discover Microsoft’s abandoned Andromeda OS.

      Before releasing the Surface Duo with Android, Microsoft planned to utilize a customized version of Windows known as Andromeda OS, created specifically for dual-screen devices. That intention was quietly abandoned years ago.

      Now, thanks to a leaked build and considerable developer effort, you can finally experience what Microsoft was developing and even try it yourself.